Local bus service changes from 1 September

A First bus, which operates a number of services in and around Rochdale

A number of local bus services have been changed as of Sunday (1 September).

At least 14 services have been affected, with the 24 servicing Rochdale and Manchester having been withdrawn, and the 457 between Littleborough and Rochdale now having a reduced service.

Affecting the Rochdale borough are changes to the following services (excluding a change of summer to autumn timetable):

• 6 – Kirkholt to Rochdale
• 12 and 12A – Hollin to Middleton - amended route and reduced frequency
• 24 – Rochdale to Manchester – withdrawn
• 112 and 113 – Middleton to Manchester
• 114 – Alkrington to Manchester
• 181 and 182 – Rochdale to Manchester
• 412 – Middleton to Oldham
• 457 – Littleborough to Rochdale – reduced service
• 588 – Rochdale to Stansfield circular
• 589 – Burnley to Rochdale
• 590 – Halifax to Rochdale

Most of Greater Manchester’s bus services are run by commercial operators who are free to decide routes, timetables and set fare levels.

Recommendations to amend the 12 and 12A route and reduce the frequency of the Monday to Saturday service to 40 minutes during peak hours from 2 September 2019 were approved by members of a Transport for Greater Manchester subcommittee on Friday 12 July.

The changes were made to avoid further issues with parked cars on Cedar Road.

TfGM’s Interim Head of Bus Services, Alison Chew, said: “We regularly review the operation and number of passengers using subsidised bus services.

“We strive to strike the right balance with the resources available to us, endeavoring to ensure vital transport links are maintained whilst also making sure they provide value to the taxpayer and are delivered in the most cost-effective way.

“Monitoring service use in this way and making minor changes enables Transport for Greater Manchester to help more people remain connected to family, friends, jobs, health and leisure opportunities via public transport and helps to achieve value for money.”

For a full list of affected services across Greater Manchester, please visit:

• tfgm.com/public-transport/bus/service-changes